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Galactogogues

Galactagogues are herbal supplements, foods, or medications that are believe to increase milk production. Many moms look to galactagogues to boost their milk supply if they’re worried it’s low or if they want to build a freezer stash. However, there are some important things to keep in mind if you’re considering trying one:

Frequent and effective breastfeeding or milk expression is the most important factor in increasing milk supply. If the breast isn't drained thoroughly or often enough, no food or supplement will help increase milk production.

There is little evidence to support the effectiveness of galactagogues. Few quality studies have been done, and the results have been inconclusive. In fact, when the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine revised their protocol on galactagogues, they found that the evidence supporting the use of pharmacologic and herbal galactagogues had grown weaker. Because of weak evidence and the potential for side effects, the ABM currently does not recommend any specific galactagogues.

Natural is not a synonym for safe. All medicines, including herbal ones, may cause side effects or drug interactions.

Many herbal galactagogues can have adverse drug interactions with common medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines, and birth control pills. Please talk to your health care provider before trying any herbal or pharmaceutical treatments.

Many herbal galactagogues should not be used during pregnancy. Please talk to your health care provider before trying any herbal or pharmaceutical treatments.

The ingredients in herbal products often do not match what's on the label. Recent studies have shown that many herbal products are poorly controlled for quality and contain other plant species, contaminants, or fillers that are not listed on the label.

Re: Galactogogues

Wherever possible, the lactation safety rating from Medications and Mothers' Milk/InfantRisk is included:

L1 - Safest

Drug which has been taken by a large number of breastfeeding mothers without any observed increase in adverse effects in the infant. Controlled studies in breastfeeding women fail to demonstrate a risk to the infant and the possibility of harm to the breastfeeding infant is remote; or the product is not orally bioavailable in an infant.

L2 - Safer

Drug which has been studied in a limited number of breastfeeding women without an increase in adverse effects in the infant. And/or, the evidence of a demonstrated risk which is likely to follow use of this medication in a breastfeeding woman is remote.

L3 - Moderately Safe

There are no controlled studies in breastfeeding women, however the risk of untoward effects to a breastfed infant is possible; or, controlled studies show only minimal non-threatening adverse effects. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant.

L4 - Possibly Hazardous

There is positive evidence of risk to a breastfed infant or to breastmilk production, but the benefits from use in breastfeeding mothers may be acceptable despite the risk to the infant. (e.g. if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).

L5 - Contraindicated

Studies in breastfeeding mothers have demonstrated that there is significant and documented risk to the infant based on human experience, or it is a medication that has a high risk of causing significant damage to an infant. The risk of using the drug in breastfeeding women clearly outweighs any possible benefit from breastfeeding. The drug is contraindicated in women who are breastfeeding an infant.

There may be other drug interactions, side effects, or allergic cross-reactivity in addition to what’s listed. Please be sure to talk to your doctor before use, especially if you have a preexisting medical condition or are taking ANY medication, even occasionally.

Blessed Thistle

Blessed thistle is a common ingredient in supplements and teas promoted to increase milk production, though there is no evidence to support its use as a galactagogue.

In Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession, Dr. Ruth Lawrence suggests that the use of blessed thistle as a galactagogue may be due to confusion between it and milk thistle (Silybum marianum, which is also known as holy thistle).

Goat's Rue

GOAT'S RUE

The use of goat's rue as a galactagogue may date back to the early 20th century, when it was seen to increase milk production in cows. There are no high-quality studies on the use of goat's rue as a galactagogue.

Also called galega. Considered a noxious weed in the US, it is poisonous to goats and sheep.

Use During Breastfeeding:

InfantRisk Safety Rating: Not rated

No information is available on the safety of using goat's rue during breastfeeding or its transfer to breastmilk.